2004 Lexus IS 300 - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Lexus IS 300 Buying Resources:
2004 Lexus IS 300 Review:
In 2004 the Lexus IS 300 remains an entry option for those
in the market for their first Lexus. A lower priced alternative
to some of the more expensive near-luxury cars, the IS 300
is all about performance yet it has many standard luxuries
as well as some options that will set your vehicle apart from
the common crowd. This sporty compact has a couple of models,
the base IS 300 compact sedan and the SportCross wagon, a
rally-inspired mover.
Changes to standards for 2004 are limited to a maintenance
indicator light and automatic power door locks but the range
of optional extras has some refinements.
Under the Hood
The IS 300 SportCross, something between a sedan and a wagon,
and the upgraded IS 300 sedan with sport-tuned suspension,
both now have automatic transmission with manual shift capability,
while the 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the base
IS 300 sedan. All these models challenge Europe’s best sport
sedans with sports car styled interiors, rear-wheel drive
powertrains and powerful V6 engines.
The IS 300 has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, also
used in the larger GS 300 sedan, that produces 215 horsepower
at 5,800 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,800 rpm.
Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a Toyota
innovation found in many of their performance vehicles, delivers
both high-revving power and strong low-end and mid-range torque.
Control technology optimizes the handling ability of the
IS 300 with a variety of handling innovations. Antilock brakes
(ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution
(EBD) are standard equipment on all models. Vehicle Skid Control
(VSC) can be added to the standard electronic traction control
(TRAC) to further enhance maneuverability and road surface
agility. A number of wheel and tire options can add low-profile
styling, polished alloy wheels or all-season tires for a different
focus.
Safety concerns are addressed with various cutting edge technology
including three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions,
dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and front
side curtain airbags. Seat-mounted airbags mean they stay
consistently placed relative to the occupants regardless of
a front seat’s position.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Lexus pushes the envelope, in terms of interior amenities,
with all of its models. With the IS 300 it continues to set
a standard that other manufacturers are pressed to keep to.
In the SportCross, split fold-down rear seatback and fold-down
front passenger seatback accommodate long or oddly shaped
items that might not fit easily in conventional sedans.
Other details normally not found on conventional competitors
are items like the electrochromic autodimming rearview mirror
with compass. Interiors can also be enhanced with a leather/Ecsaine
trim package or a full leather-trimmed upholstery on 8-way
power front seats and memory settings for the drivers seat.
Technological conveniences include such items as the Lexus
Navigation System and a high-power AM/FM/CD audio system.
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